Penguins recover, defeat Stars in shootout

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins recovered for a 2-1 shootout win against the Dallas Stars after allowing Tyler Seguin to score his first goal since Nov. 15, 2025, and tie it with 30 seconds remaining in the third period at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday.

Seguin tied it 1-1 with his goal and first point in five games this season, tipping a shot from Jason Robertson at 19:30 of the third period. The 34-year-old forward had seven assists without a goal in his final eight games last season before sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee on Dec. 2. 

"It felt great," Seguin said. "Every day, just trying to get better. Every game, I feel a little more comfortable, feel a little better. Compete a little more. Nice to get one." 

Rickard Rakell had the deciding goal, and Ben Kindel and Sidney Crosby also scored in the shootout for Pittsburgh. Seguin and Wyatt Johnston scored for Dallas in the shootout, but Arturs Silovs made a save on Robertson in the first round and Mikko Rantanen missed the net in the fourth.

Connor Dewar scored early in the third period, and Silovs made 24 saves for the Penguins (3-2-1), who had lost three in a row (0-2-1), including 3-2 in a shootout at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. 

"This was way better," Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse said. "We were on the same page. We weren't as spread out. I thought we were coming back and put ourselves in good spots. ... For me, it's an exciting step for us to take." 

Jake Oettinger made 19 saves for the Stars (2-2-1) after having a shutout in the previous two games. The 27-year-old goalie made 13 saves in a 5-0 win against the San Jose Sharks on Monday, and 26 in a 4-0 victory at the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.  

"(Oettinger) gave us a chance," Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan said. "You've got to score a goal to help him out. I don't know. Eight shutout periods? You can't ask for more than that. We had to be better in front of him today on the offensive side of things." 

After scoreless first and second periods, Dewar gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 1:57 of the third, gliding to the slot for a backhand that fluttered in off the stick of Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel.

Oettinger's shutout streak ended at 188:52, which is the longest of his NHL career and the third-longest in Stars history behind Ben Bishop (233:04 in 2018-19) and Ed Belfour (219:26 in 2000-01). Dallas had gone 206:08 without giving up a goal, the longest streak in its history. 

"He's as dialed (in) as they come," Stars forward Justin Hryckowian said. "He takes care of himself away from the rink as well. He's a pro's pro. ... When your goalies are dialed in like Jake and Casey (DeSmith), and obviously great guys as well, I think it's just an added incentive that you want to get in front of those pucks for them." 

Kris Letang had a goal overturned that would have put Pittsburgh ahead at 19:34 of the first period, whacking at a pass from Tommy Novak in the crease before Hryckowian tapped it into his own net. The Stars challenged and Penguins forward Hendrix Lapierre was determined to have used a high stick on the puck earlier in the play. 

Seguin could have given Dallas a lead at 15:35 of the second period, driving to the crease for a pass from Jamie Benn behind the net, but had a shot in tight turned away when Silovs extended his left pad.   

"I think it's just the way (the Stars) play," Silovs said. "It's maybe not as exciting hockey. But we managed to stick with a plan. Didn't bend. We managed to score a goal. And then it would be good to withhold the last 30 seconds, but it's a game. But I'm glad we managed to win in a shootout." 

NOTES: Seguin scored his 49th game-tying goal for the Stars, passing Dave Gagner for the sixth-most in their history. Mike Modano (103) is first. ... Crosby scored his 49th shootout goal, tying T.J. Oshie and Frans Nielsen for the third-most in League history, but does not have a goal in his first six games this season to match the longest drought to start a season of his NHL career. He was held without a goal in his first six games in 2018-19 before scoring six in the following four games. ... Defenseman Spencer Stastney had one shot on goal and one block in 12:58 of ice time in his Penguins debut after being acquired in a trade from the Edmonton Oilers for forward Filip Hallander on Wednesday.